Stoke-on-Trent was awarded World Craft City status in summer 2024. The award recognises the city’s rich heritage, global reputation, and innovative spirit within the ceramics industry.
Several C3 Centre members conrtibuted to the successful bid and visit of the World Craft City Judges visiting the city in Spring 2024. Professors Anna Francis, Neil Brownsword and Carola Boehm supported Stoke Creates’ successful bid, led by Stoke Creates Trustee Paul Williams.
The designation reflects not only the city’s commitment to preserving its unique craft but also highlights its dedication to embracing and developing modern techniques with the ceramics industry.
The World Craft City jurors acknowledged that Stoke-on-Trent has a dynamic craft ecosystem where historical practices coexist with new technologies, innovation and research, supported by institutions like the University of Staffordshire and the British Ceramics Biennial. This ecosystem supports education, innovation, and community engagement, ensuring skills sharing across generations.
Earning this status is a landmark achievement for our city, bolstering its cultural identity and economic growth. It places the city on the global stage, drawing international attention and tourism, which could lead to increased economic opportunities. The recognition also underscores the city’s role in leading the ceramics sector, enhancing its identity as a centre of excellence in both heritage and contemporary ceramics.
Links to C3 member affiliated organisations contributing to achieving World Craft City Status:
- Neil Brownsword, Professor of Ceramics in the C3 Centre and Trustee at the Spode Museum Trustee hosted the judges: https://spodemuseumtrust.org/
- Carola Boehm, Professor of Creative and Cultural Industries in the C3 Centre is chair of Stoke Creates CIO, who led on the bid: https://StokeCreates.org.uk/world-craft-city
- Anna Francis, Professor of Fine Art and Social Practice in the C3 Centre hosted judges both at the Spode Rose Garden and the Portland Inn Project: https://www.airspacegallery.org/index.php/2020/spode and https://www.theportlandinnproject.com
The consolidated evaluation report by the jurors outlining the city’s recognition as a City of Ceramics can be viewed and downloaded here.
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Guidelines for the use of our new WCC – World Craft City Certifacte and Logo can also be downloaded from here.
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